Low tyres cost motorists £337m

Under-inflated tyres are costing motorists around £337 million in fuel every year, according to research.

During Michelin's Fill Up With Air roadshow, which has been travelling across Britain since May, the tyre specialist has revealed that 39% of motorists are continuing to drive on dangerously low tyres. Meanwhile, 5% are even continuing to use their vehicles despite tyre punctures.

Aside from the fuel concerns, using tyres in this condition can also put the driver at risk because it can have a negative impact on the braking distances and handling of the vehicle.

While replacing tyres might seem like an unwanted expense in the current climate - and with Christmas on the horizon - this could be creating a 0 economy because it could lead to increasedcar insurance andbreakdown costs later.

The excess 244 million litres of fuel used due to under-inflated tyres is also bad news for the environment as it results in more than 600,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere.

Michelin's head of communications, Phil Baldock, said: "It's crucial that drivers understand the importance of driving with the correct tyre pressure. Under-inflated tyres can not only put lives at risk but they increase the stress on a vehicle's steering and suspension, cause it to use more fuel and thus produce more CO2.

"Not only does the right pressure improve safety, it is beneficial for their bank balance to have correctly inflated tyres and it also helps the environment."